(Claw of Baryonyx walkeri) Baryonyx means 'heavy claw'. Unusually for a carnivorous dinosaur we know it ate fish as scientists have found fish scales and teeth with its fossil where its stomach would have been.

Skip to page content

Primary navigation

Visit us

Come and explore...

From bugs and butterflies to beautiful botany, get close to the Cocoon's specimens.

For information on our galleries and latest exhibitions, where to eat and drink, Visit us will help you plan a great day out.

Entry is free!

(There is a charge for some temporary exhibitions)

Opening times
Open every day10.00 - 17.50
Last admission17.30

The Museum is open every day, including Sundays and bank holidays, but closed 24 - 26 December.

The Museum's step-free entrance is on Exhibition Road.

Keep up to date at NHM_Visiting on Twitter

Visiting Tring? Find out the opening times at the Natural History Museum at Tring here.

For your security, most areas of the Museum are protected by CCTV.

On entry to the Museum your bags and other personal items will be inspected. We advise you not to bring any sharp objects such as metal knives, forks, scissors, etc. to the Museum, as they may be confiscated.

We apologise for any inconvenience caused.

What's on
What's on

From the latest gallery highlights, daily activities and films to special exhibitions and events, find out what’s on for visitors.

Street map showing the Natural History Museum in South Kensington
Getting here

There are many ways to reach us. By tube, bus, bicycle, car or on foot.

Museum tickets
Booking

Find out about booking information for our events and exhibitions.

Family checking the access guide.
Access guide

We aim to provide a friendly, accessible environment for all our visitors.

Central hall facing Diplodocus skeleton.
Galleries

Choose from over 30 permanent galleries to explore, including our famous Dinosaurs.

Children running up the steps of the Natural History Museum
Parents' survival guide

Bringing the kids? From special activities to bags and pushchairs, here's your essential guide.

Photograph of a butterfly
Sign up for e-news

Get monthly news of all our exhibitions, events, special promotions and more.

  • Floor Plans
    Floor Plans

    View and print out maps to help plan your visit to the Museum.

Explore the galleries

What's on

Veolia Environnement Wildlife Photographer of the Year 2011
More information
Find out what's on

This month's highlights

The Bird Table
The Bird Table

Drop into this fun activity with our science educators and discover how penguins and other birds are adapted to survive.

Antarctic-explorer
Scott events

Join in our special Scott-related free daytime talks and evening events to tie in with the Scott's Last Expedition exhibition.

Who do you think you really are?
Who do you think you really are? film

Go on a virtual journey through our evolutionary past and see extinct creatures come to life in our interactive film. 

Find out what's coming soon
Veolia Environnement Wildlife Photographer of the Year 2011
More information